Optometry

In 2021, as part of their Education Strategic Review (ESR), the General Optical Council (GOC) updated their Education and Training Requirements (ETR) for GOC-approved qualifications. These changes require optometry programmes in the UK to fully integrate all practical and theoretical training, offering a direct route to qualification and registration at the point of graduation. Watch this short video for details, and for further information see the GOC’s Frequently Asked Questions. 

To fulfil these revised GOC requirements for qualifications in optometry, as well as the qualification in independent prescribing, Master of Optometry with Independent Prescribing programmes have now been developed by the two Schools of Optometry in Scotland - Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) and the University of the Highlands & Islands (UHI). In addition, the Scottish Government has allocated funding to NES to support the universities in delivering clinical placements in the final fifth year of their new programmes. This year will be known as the Foundation Training Year (FTY).

For more information, see the Chief Optometric Advisor's letter to the optometry sector, published in September 2023.

An introductory webinar providing information on the undergraduate reforms in Scotland, published in December 2023, is hosted on eyes.nhs.scot and can be viewed below:

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Graeme Kennedy since this webinar was recorded and would like to acknowledge his valuable contribution to this project.

The aim of the FTY is to enable students to demonstrate the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to practice to the standards expected of a GOC-registered optometrist, as outlined in the Standards of practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians. 

It has been developed to support the training of adaptable, therapeutically qualified optometrists who will be confident and capable of operating in multi-disciplinary teams across a variety of healthcare settings, to meet diverse and changing patient needs. 

This will be achieved by:

• offering workplace-based, practical training in clinical settings,
• consolidating student learning from the preceding undergraduate experience using a planned programme of support to identify and build upon strengths and weaknesses,
• facilitating the development of professional responsibility and the knowledge and skills required of a GOC-registered optometrist,
• preparing students for completion of the FTY and GOC registration,
• continuing the development of professional skills and encouraging postgraduate education.

The first cohort of students will commence the FTY in Summer 2028. The timeline for the FTY development is shown on the diagram.  

If you have any queries, please contact us at nes.ftyoptometry@nhs.scot